Trevor Bauer (3-0, 3.86 ERA) and the Cleveland Indians (17-16) meet Tyler Duffey (0-2, 2.60 ERA) and the Minnesota Twins (9-26) in the last of a three-game division series at Progressive Field. The Twins won the last game 6-3, and the series is currently tied 1-1. The game starts at 1:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, May. 15 and will air on STOh and FSN.
In his most recent outing, Bauer pitched 7.0 innings, allowing zero runs, striking out seven and walking three in a 4-0 victory over the Astros. Mike Napoli (.242, 21 Rs, 7 HRs, 22 RBIs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run. The Twins were unsuccessful against the White Sox 3-1 the last time Duffey pitched. He went 7.0 innings, giving up three runs, striking out nine and walking two. Byung Ho Park (.248, 15 Rs, 9 HRs, 15 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 3 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. Against teams in the AL Central, the Indians have a SU record of 3-14. Cleveland has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The most recent 10 game stretch for Cleveland’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Cleveland’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
Against divisional opponents, the Twins are 11-5 SU. Minnesota has been playing better lately, averaging 0.0 runs per game, more than their season average of 0.0. The Twins average just 10.6 strikeouts per road game, one of the lowest marks in the AL. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Minnesota pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
In their previous five games this season, the Twins have a 3-2 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – CLE
Notes
Minnesota has won 21% (3-11) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Cleveland has won 55% (6-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Twins are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Indians have a record of 5-12 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Twins are 7-5. The Indians have a 10-4 record when outhitting opponents.
Cleveland and Minnesota both rank near the bottom of the league in runs. Cleveland sits at 21st with 142 runs this season and Minnesota ranks 27th with 123.
Ranking 23rd, Cleveland is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 101 this season. Minnesota ranks in the top half at 14th with 112.
The Indians are 9-10 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Twins are 7-16 when they hit at least one homer.
